What to Expect During Your Well Woman Exam

Preparing For Your Well Woman Visit

Just like having regular checkups with your primary care doctor, seeing your OB/GYN regularly is key when it comes to preventative care. Having testing and exams done can help your health care team detect abnormalities early on, making treatment more likely to succeed in the long run.

When you're getting ready for your first well woman visit with your OB/GYN, you may find yourself wondering what the exam involves. We're here to share what you can expect to settle your nerves.

Physical Exam

When you go to get a well woman exam, your pelvic exam helps your doctor to look out for any abnormalities that may suggest the presence of potential reproductive health issues. During a pelvic exam, you can expect the following:

• An external visual exam
• Speculum exam
• Manual exam
• Breast exam (if indicated)
• Pap smear (if indicated)

Your physical exam helps your doctor to look out for abnormalities like:

• Cysts
• Discharge
• Growths
• Changes In uterus and ovary placement
• Rashes or irritation
• Signs of sexually transmitted diseases or infections

Urine Sample

During your exam, your doctor will most likely be asked to provide a urine sample for testing purposes. Typically, urinalysis is done to test for pregnancy, signs of infection and to assess kidney function.

Discussing Birth Control Options

During your well woman visit, it is the perfect time to discuss your birth control options with your doctor. Whether you're looking to weigh your options before going on birth control for the first time, you want to change your birth control, or you want to stop, now is a great time to discuss your options.

Women’s Health Services in Macomb, Illinois

At the McDonough District Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, you can expect compassionate and exceptional care no matter your female reproductive health condition or concern. Our board-certified obstetricians and gynecologists provide women’s health services for women of all ages, from your first period to menopause and beyond.

To learn more about our women’s health services, visit our website or give us a call at (309) 833-4101.